Shelby Money, a college soccer standout, former professional player and seasoned coach, will join the St. Joe’s women’s soccer team as their new assistant coach, working specifically with the goalkeepers on the team.
After arriving on campus about two weeks ago, Money said she is feeling right at home on Hawk Hill.
“I love it here,” Money said. “I’ve only ever heard good things about the program and about the staff, so when the opportunity came up to coach here, I took it right away.”
Money discovered her love for goalkeeping early on in high school.
“One day I was thrown in goal and I never came back out,” Money said. “Eleven years later and I’m still here.”
Money spent her collegiate career at Rowan University, playing 57 total games with 36 shutouts, allowing a total of 24 goals over four years.
“Playing at Rowan taught me how to be vocal on and off the field,” Money said. “I really learned how to work with my teammates and how to bring the best out of them and the best out of me.”
During her time at Rowan, Money collected a handful of awards and accolades, including NJAC Goalkeeper of the Year, CoSIDA Academic All-District, All Conference Team three times and All Region Honors twice.
While at Rowan, Money studied health and exercise science and said it allowed her to pursue sports and athletics regardless of whether or not she opted to go into coaching.
“I think I always wanted to become a coach,” Money said, “but majoring in health sciences really allowed me to just stay in the field that I love.”
After being a standout player at Rowan, Money advanced her career to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in 2019 with the Washington Spirit as a reserve player, then as a non-rostered goalkeeper at Sky Blue FC and, most recently in 2020, as a non-rostered Goalkeeper for OL Reign.
“My time with NWSL has helped me grow as a goalkeeper and as a player,” Money said. “I’ve been able to use my experience to help the keepers I coach right now.”
In 2015, Money began her coaching career at The Keepers Institute in Sewell, New Jersey, helping young goalkeepers between the ages of eight and 20 perfect their game with personal and group sessions.
“The Keepers Institute is an amazing place to hone in on specific skills,” Money said. “I make sure that every player that comes in leaves as a better goalkeeper and as a better person.”
After five years at The Keeper Institute, Money begins her tenure at St. Joe’s and now works with the goalkeepers on the team.
In search of new staff to add to the team for this year, Head Coach Jess Mannella said she knew that Money would be a great fit for the program.
“We knew we wanted a [goal]keeper coach,” Mannella said. “When I reached out to The Keeper Institute, they directed me right to Money and I knew she was it right from the start.”
Mannella said she’s excited to work with Money, specifically noting the enthusiasm she brings and how important that is for the team as a whole.
“When I met [Money], I loved her energy and ideas,” Mannella said. “She has amazing ideas about goalkeeping and is always energized and helpful with the players.”
Sophomore Emily Cuccio, the team’s starting goalkeeper, works with Money every day in practice and admires her work ethic and leadership.
“She’s extremely motivated and professional,” Cuccio said. “Her attitude going into practice every day really inspires all of us.”
